On the heels of the New York launch earlier this year, Rosangel by Gran Centenario made its way to the Midwest; the recent liquor launch party at Nacional 27 read like a who’s who of the local cocktail scene. It’s a true testament to a spirits’ fine characteristics and flavor profile when you have some of Chicago’s best mixologists joining forces to showcase the liquor through their personal drink expressions.
The San Francisco World Spirits Competition is to liquor as the James Beard Awards are to food. And Rosangel recently nabbed the 2009 Double Gold Award at the renowned cocktail exhibition. In the late 80s, chic city dwellers wouldn’t be caught dead sipping on a tequila-based cocktail. The agave spirit was only found in fluffy beach drinks. Now tequila is emerging as a world class category and is gaining some serious street cred. In mixology circles across the country, tequila is being touted as the spirit of choice.
I was impressed when I learned that Gran Centenario chose to infuse a reposado – an expression that already has a nice depth and developed texture – with a historically and culturally significant ingredient: hibiscus. It’s common to infuse platas or silver tequila expressions because they are young and it allows the infused flavors to dominate the liquor. What separates the hibiscus-infused Rosangel reposado from the pack is its versatility and ability to fuse seamlessly with fruit flavors and herbs.
At Nacional 27, Adam Seger and award-winning journalist, author and World Spirit’s Judge, F. Paul Pacult, chatted with guests about the spirit and how easy it is to substitute Rosangel into your current cocktail faves. Cocktail heavy hitters such as Jane Lopes of The Violet Hour, Peter Vestinos of the Wirtz Beverage Group and Adam Seger of Nacional 27, left an indelible mark on the evening as they utilized the sweet but mature flavor of Rosangel and prepared hand crafted cocktails.
And it must be said that the 1950’s speakeasy chic marketing that they have supporting the brand is fantastic. From the cheeky, sepia-colored graphics on the bottle, to the Ella Fitzgerald-esque singers and music at the events, Rosangel has a true identity and that translates well to the jaded consumer. Simply put: it’s a must-try spirit.
For all you Cheeky girls dying to get your hands on Rosangel, pop by:
· Sunda
· Salud Tequila Bar
· Carnivale
